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Fire damages J.Crew, restaurant buildings in East Hampton

At least two buildings — one housing J.Crew and one housing the Rowdy Hall restaurant — were damaged in an early morning fire on Main Street in East Hampton on Friday, April 24, 2015, village police said. Photo Credit: Gordon M. Grant

An early morning fire Friday damaged at least two buildings on Main Street in East Hampton, police said.

The fire was reported at 3:19 a.m., when a smoke detector was activated inside the J.Crew store at 14 Main St., according to East Hampton Village police Chief Gerard Larsen Jr. Police said firefighters returned to the scene after 9 a.m. following a call of burning embers, but said that was only precautionary.

Volunteers from East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Springs and Amagansett all responded and were able to contain the blaze to two buildings -- one housing J.Crew and one housing the Rowdy Hall restaurant.

Police said the J.Crew building suffered extensive damage, while damage to the restaurant was mainly contained to the second floor. The street was closed until 6:15 a.m.

Police said the cause of the fire is under investigation by the village fire marshal.

A J.Crew spokeswoman said the store will remain closed until further notice and the company is looking for a temporary location to open for the summer. Employees will be temporarily placed at the Southampton store or at the new summer location until the damaged store can be rebuilt.

The spokeswoman said the company is "so thankful no one was hurt and so grateful for the help of the East Hampton Fire Department for their quick response as well as the Amagansett, Sag Harbor and Springs Fire Departments for also coming to the scene."